New base for Gisborne’s large volunteer network

THEY HAVE MOVED: Pop in and see the team who co-ordinate the city’s volunteers at their new headquarters in Treble Court. From left are Gisborne Volunteer Centre’s manager Jenny Greaves, marketing and volunteer service cordinator Janine Hamilton-Kells and volunteer services co-ordinator Ros Faulkner. Picture by Liam Clayton

Gisborne Volunteer Centre’s new offices are on the sunny side of Treble Court.

The high-visibility spot offers the expanding team more room and has the added advantage of being more accessible to the public.

Gisborne Volunteer Centre (GVC) had outgrown their old premises upstairs and out of view at 74 Grey Street.

The GVC team are loving their new spot and hope the easier accessibility and visibility will bring in more people and increase awareness of the role volunteering plays in the community.

The volunteer centre’s purpose is to support and promote volunteering in the region.

GVC manager Jenny Greaves said more than 167 community groups and organisations were registered with GVC, and there were plenty of opportunities to connect people wishing to lend a hand.

Already they had more than 1670 people on their volunteer database, with 380 referrals made so far this year to organisations.

In addition to the recruitment and referral service, GVC provides training, mentoring and advice to improve and enhance volunteer programmes, as well as individualised support to groups and volunteers.

“Volunteering offers many benefits to those who participate — research has reported increased wellbeing, while many gain new skills and companionship.

“If you are new to the city, it is a great way to get to know people and the community.

People interested in volunteering are welcome to call at the Volunteer Centre or visit the website,” said Mrs Greaves.

International Volunteer Day is on December 5. The Volunteer Centre will recognise volunteers contributing to the community on this day.

“The national theme for this year is ‘Grow volunteers, build resilience in communities’ and we would like to acknowledge volunteers who are already helping to build resilience by contributing their time and skills to the community.”

Groups are invited to nominate their volunteers for recognition. Nomination forms are available on the website or contact the GVC office at it’s new Treble Court hub.

Gisborne Volunteer Centre’s new offices are on the sunny side of Treble Court.

The high-visibility spot offers the expanding team more room and has the added advantage of being more accessible to the public.

Gisborne Volunteer Centre (GVC) had outgrown their old premises upstairs and out of view at 74 Grey Street.

The GVC team are loving their new spot and hope the easier accessibility and visibility will bring in more people and increase awareness of the role volunteering plays in the community.

The volunteer centre’s purpose is to support and promote volunteering in the region.

GVC manager Jenny Greaves said more than 167 community groups and organisations were registered with GVC, and there were plenty of opportunities to connect people wishing to lend a hand.

Already they had more than 1670 people on their volunteer database, with 380 referrals made so far this year to organisations.

In addition to the recruitment and referral service, GVC provides training, mentoring and advice to improve and enhance volunteer programmes, as well as individualised support to groups and volunteers.

“Volunteering offers many benefits to those who participate — research has reported increased wellbeing, while many gain new skills and companionship.

“If you are new to the city, it is a great way to get to know people and the community.

People interested in volunteering are welcome to call at the Volunteer Centre or visit the website,” said Mrs Greaves.

International Volunteer Day is on December 5. The Volunteer Centre will recognise volunteers contributing to the community on this day.

“The national theme for this year is ‘Grow volunteers, build resilience in communities’ and we would like to acknowledge volunteers who are already helping to build resilience by contributing their time and skills to the community.”

Groups are invited to nominate their volunteers for recognition. Nomination forms are available on the website or contact the GVC office at it’s new Treble Court hub.